coudelariaestrelalusitana

07/15/2026

A look at selection criteria and procedures for equestrian teams in Canada, and how other nations assure a fair process.

07/15/2026

USLA Lusitano Conference Postponed Until 2027

Because of the continuing threat posed by New World Screwworm Fly and the resulting uncertainty surrounding horse travel and animal-health requirements, USLA is postponing the USLA Lusitano Conference until 2027. The rescheduled conference will still be held at Haras dos Cavaleiros.

USLA will still host APSL Lusitano Inspections and a clinic with Miguel Ralão at Haras dos Cavaleiros on Saturday and Sunday, September 26–27, 2026.

The 2027 USLA Lusitano Conference is expected to be held on a similar Friday–Sunday weekend at Haras dos Cavaleiros. Mark your calendars now—we look forward to welcoming everyone next year.

https://uslusitano.org/new-world-screwworm-how-the-u-s-government-is-responding/

Additional information about the inspections, clinic, and the 2027 conference will be announced as plans are finalized.

07/01/2026

06/08/2026

😥

🪰 New World Screwworm Update 🪰

You may have seen recent news about New World Screwworm (NWS) after a confirmed case was identified in Texas. This parasite can affect livestock, horses, pets, wildlife, and occasionally people by ingesting open wounds and feeding on live tissue. While this is a serious animal health concern, it is important to keep the current risk in perspective.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has already implemented precautionary measures, including temporary import restrictions on certain livestock, including all horses from affected areas to help prevent the parasite from entering Canada.

At this time there is no need for panic. New World Screwworm is not present in Canada, and extensive monitoring and control measures are in place throughout North America. Canadian animal health officials are actively monitoring the situation and responding appropriately.

As always, good wound management remains an important part of caring for your horse. If you notice a wound that is not healing normally, excessive drainage, unusual swelling, or maggots present in a wound, contact us right away.

We will continue to follow updates from the CFIA and share information if the situation changes 🐴💙

05/28/2026

Wishing all the best to all riders and huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped organize this fantastic competition! Good luck to everyone!!! 🍀💪🏻⭐️

05/14/2026

Planning for the 2026 APSL/USLA Breeding Inspections is well underway, and we have now identified the locations for the horses submitted so far.

If you have mares or stallions that still need to be inspected for breeding (“Revision”), please complete the Application for Inspection form on the USLA website as soon as possible. These applications are what we use to determine inspection locations and finalize the inspection schedule.

Learn more about how inspection scheduling works:
http://uslusitano.org/how-inspection-scheduling-works/

05/02/2026

Have you heard of the Madigan Squeeze?

The Madigan foal squeeze is a veterinarian-performed technique that uses a soft rope arranged in a specific way to apply steady, snug pressure around a newborn foal’s chest/ribcage. Many foals respond to this firm pressure by lying down (“flopping”) and entering a quiet, sleep-like state (slow-wave sleep).

It’s used as an aid for foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (“dummy foal”), and it’s also used in healthy foals (typically < 3 days old) to make procedures like plasma administration, ultrasound exams, or other minor procedures easier and less stressful. The squeeze is usually maintained for about 20 minutes (generally limited to 20–30 minutes) while the foal’s breathing, heart rate, and mucous membrane color are monitored.

After the squeeze, the rope is released, and the foal is allowed to stay down or get up on its own. For maladjusted foals, the team then observes alertness and nursing behavior; in some cases, the squeeze may be repeated every 2–4 hours if needed.

Important safety note: this is not anesthesia, and a foal can arouse and kick, so it should only be done by skilled clinicians. It’s not recommended with suspected rib fractures, respiratory distress, septic shock, severe prematurity with floppy chests, severe neuromuscular disease affecting breathing, or congenital anomalies.

If you have questions or concerns about your own foal, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Equine Hospital

04/16/2026

Register your eligible stallions and mares for the 2026 APSL Breeding Inspection Tour now.

Inspections will take place in late September and early October 2026, beginning with an inspection held during the USLA Conference at Haras Dos Cavaleiros (September 25–27). The remainder of the USLA Inspection Tour across the United States and Canada will follow.

Please note that only horses with completed and paid inspection applications will be considered when the inspection schedule is finalized.

If you plan to present a horse for inspection in 2026, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible so that your location can be included when the tour is organized.

Learn more about preparing for an APSL Inspection:
https://uslusitano.org/preparing-for-inspection/

📷 Cielo Azure Lusitanos

04/16/2026

2026 USLA Conference — Preliminary Schedule

September 25–27, 2026 | Magnolia, Texas

Get a first look at how the weekend will unfold

🔹 Friday–Sunday programming
🔹 APSL inspections & Model & Movements
🔹 Educational sessions & symposium
🔹 Sport + performance elements throughout

A full schedule designed around breeding, education, and sport.

🔗 https://uslusitano.org/2026-preliminary-conference-schedule/